Exclusive: Here’s a Rare Track from 1998 Featuring Slipknot’s Corey Taylor
In 1998, just as Slipknot were on the verge of blowing up and signing with Roadrunner Records, Mason City, IA-based metal band Smakdab (OH, the nu-metalness of that name!) headed into the studio to record their self-titled album. Producing and mixing those sessions at Juniors Motel (which is still in operation!) were fellow scene members Kevin Miles, who would go on to receive a mixing credit on Slipknot’s 1999 self-titled debut, and Joey Jordison, who needs no introduction. From there, a little bit of scene camaraderie led to what we’re here for today: an extremely rare track featuring a guest vocal appearance by Corey Taylor.
While “Shadowed” was included on Smakdab’s album, keybaordist Gabe Wilkinson tells MetalSucks why no one outside of the local Iowa metal scene has mentioned it for the past two decades: “We got a nice letter from Roadrunner Records at the time making it very clear to not put Corey or Joey’s name anywhere on our release.” But with 20 years in the rearview mirror, the band has decided that now is as good of a time as any to share this gem.
And oh, what a gem it is! When the male vocal part kicks in there will be no doubt in your mind that’s Corey behind the mic, both the harmonized cleans and his trademark, full-throated screams. But even without Corey’s contributions it’s a decent tune — very of the era, no doubt, with its anguished, angsty slow-and-then-fast-and-then-slow-again structure and distinctly nu-metal chugging — but undeniably catchy, and not at all a far cry from the hits of the day. If you were in a metal band in 1998 hitting the local circuit, you definitely played with bands like Smakdab — maybe you even played in one — and I’m willing to bet these guys were one of the better bands around. Outside of Slipknot, of course.
For the first time in 20 years (with proper attribution), check out Smakdab’s song “Shadowed,” featuring Corey Taylor, below. More info on Smakdab, including some righteous photos, can be found at MySpace (where else?).
